The Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization, launched in 1996 and registered in the state of New York, USA. National Chapters are registered in Mexico and Ghana. GYAN is affiliated to the United Nations Department of Public Information and holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC).

What people have to say

It's so easy to feel defeated when you look at the size of the problems that face the human race, to feel like there is nothing you can do. My message to young people now is that every individual can make a difference. The collective influence of groups of individuals is unbelievably powerful. The Global Youth Action Network harnesses the energy of young people and provides them tools and resources for change. Its work is critically important.

The Global Youth Action Network continues to be a key partner of the Inter-American Development Bank's Youth Development & Outreach Program. The GYAN plays a major role in assisting the Bank in engaging youth leaders as agents for development in Latin America and the Caribbean. By facilitating communication among youth both at the national and global level, the GYAN is playing a key role on both policy and programming throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Fabian Koss, Youth Coordinator, Inter-American Development Bank

In bringing together thousands of youth groups from across the globe, GYAN is well placed to serve as a link to - and a channel for - the voice of youth. As a youth-led organization, GYAN has become a valued partner in initiating UNDP's work on youth and democratic governance in Asia.

In the many years that I have followed the work of the Global Youth Action Network, they have grown considerably and established themselves as one of the key organizations serving youth in the world. The importance of their work cannot be stressed enough, empowering young people with tools and resources, engaging a generation of hope.

In regards to political participation, it is extremely important that young people begin to practice it, as the future belongs to you. It is in your hands to build soon a better society than we have today.

Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva in his statement to participants at the December 2005 conference of the Youth Movement for Democracy, hosted by GYAN South America

Volunteers are some of our most valued partners, and Global Youth Service Day celebrates the efforts of the youngest of them. These young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they can play a leading role in the development of their communities today. Let us hope that their good works today blossom into lifelong commitments that will benefit all the world's people.